Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/8/2009

Question
Recently my fiance's friend signed with the Marines. Now my fiance is very interested in joining with him (buddy system) the only problem is he has two smaller sized tattoos on his neck. He has no problem having them removed but we do not have the money to do it right away and he wants to leave when his friend does. Is this something to Marines can help with? Maybe help set up financing for this procedure? If so will he be able to complete bootcamp while having these removed? He is very excited to serve his country and hopes that two tattoo's will stop him.Thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply.

Answer
Each service sets their own policies for tattoos (placement, type, amount) so I am unfamiliar with the Marines' policy.  I do know, however, that there is no program in place to assist with removal prior to entry.  Some services and larger bases will assist with removal once a person  enters and completes their initial training but they, obviously, must meet entry standards to begin with.